Resolutions

So this is late in coming, but I did make some resolutions for this year.  I am not going to pretend I will be completely successful with these, as history has shown me that I never am.  However, I still like the idea of resolutions.  I think they allow me to reflect about the things I would like to do or change.  I don't think I need to do them only at the start of the year, but it always seems like a natural reset point.  This year, I have tried to keep it simple.  

Resolution #1: Communicate Better to Build Better Relationships

Somehow over time, and with the increase in technology, I have lost my love of communication.  I feel awkward having conversations with people I don't know.  Unsure of what to say since I don't have time to think of my responses for awhile like I do with technology.  I worry about what to say next, if I will sound stupid, and constantly worry that I am going to end up embarrassing myself.  I am jealous of my husband's ability to talk with anyone.  He genuinely enjoys it and is never worried or embarrassed about starting a conversation with a complete stranger. He teases me about being afraid to talk to people, but there is definitely some truth to that.  In society, we judge harshly and quickly, but I need to start realizing that more often than not, people are kind-hearted and aren't judging me like I think they are.

This fear wasn't always the case.  I used to love talking to people, on the phone and in person.  My parents will vouch for that as I was always going over my 15 minute phone time limit.  So, my plan this year is that I am going to answer my phone more (yes, I am one of those terrible people that won't answer when you call but will text you back awhile later).  I will reach out to those I have lost touch with.  I will try harder to have actual contact with those I do.  And I will work on building relationships with new people.  I will continue to challenge myself to start conversations with strangers.  I am also going to continue to be conscious of my cell phone use in the presence of others to avoid being this guy:

Resolution #2: Eat Real and Local Food

This is a tough one as I love junk food and I love a good deal (and we all know that processed food is cheap!).  What I don't love is how "food" is becoming less natural and more modified and chemical.  The more I read about food, the more disheartened I become.  Last year things began to change a little in our household and I would like to continue.  It will not be easy.  In fact, I think it is a lot of work.  It is hard to always make it to the farmers market, to read labels and decipher what is really in food, and to prep food yourself.  It is also expensive.

I am trying to switch slowly to see how it effects our budget.  For now, I buy as many organic fruits and veggies as I can afford and try to buy organic dairy.  I also try to buy locally produced food when possible. In exchange, I buy less junk in order to keep on budget.  It's a win win right now and hopefully it will continue.  Changing the meat we buy is next on my agenda.  I also remind myself that demand creates supply, so if I join the demand for better food, hopefully it will help create supply and bring down the cost for all.  

Resolution #3:  Be More Informed

This will be the hardest one for me. I feel that I have a lack of knowledge as to what happens in my own community.  I watch the news, but don't always pay attention to community/local elections or news.   To prevent this, I have decided to subscribe to our local newspaper.  My parents always knew what was going on in our town.  My dad was very vocal at town meetings.  I lack that.  And though it is unlikely I will become greatly more involved in the same manor as my parents, I still think I should make the effort to stay informed.

Hopefully I will have success with my resolutions this year since I have focused on just three important changes.  Do you have any resolutions this year?

Making My Herb Garden

This spring, my mom and I decided to make herb gardens using stair stringers and flower boxes.  Armed with only a picture, we (mostly Mom) brainstormed, constructed and created a masterpiece!  This herb garden is perfect for our narrow balcony and takes up less space then my herbs did last year.  An added bonus is that the height makes it easier to pick the herbs.

Supplies:
22 - deck screws
3 - plastic planters
2 - stair stringers
Scrap Wood 2-pieces that are 31.5 inches long, and 2-pieces that are 16 inches long

We used our stir stringers the opposite way they were intended so that they were taller and narrower.  You could use them the other way if you wanted.

We drilled holes in the stair stringers that lined up with the holes in the bottom of the planter, but ended up drilling new holes in the planter because our screw heads were too small.

Then we screwed the planters to the stair stringers.

Next we screwed the 31.5 inch boards to the back of a stair stringers.

Then we screwed one board across the front of the stair stringers and the last board across the back to provide extra support.

Here is the final product!!  Since it is pressure treated wood, I will be waiting until next year to paint it.

I added some rocks, then dirt, and planted my herbs.  It worked out great on our small patio.

Homemade Laundry Soap

In my quest to save money and live a little simpler, I decided to try making my own laundry soap.  Even though it is just two of us, I typically do about 6 loads of laundry a week.  I found an easy recipe (which was a must) and mixed it up.   I made my first batch in mid-January and just ran out this week, that means the soap lasted close to 4 months! I was unsure if I would like it but have found that it cleans well and leaves clothes brighter, even when washing in cold water.  It doesn't have a strong scent, but you can use fabric softener or add a few drops of essential oil to each load.

Cost breakdown: I bought enough of everything to make 3 batches and it cost a total of $23.  Each batch costs me about $7.67 and lasts 15 weeks or about 90 loads of laundry!  That's 8.5 cents a load!

Supplies:

55 oz Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
4 lbs Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
76 oz Borax
3 lbs Oxi Clean
3 Fels Naptha Laundry Bar  

*I have been making smaller batches and keeping it in an empty, gallon ice-cream pail.  To make a smaller batch, you can use: 19 oz washing soda, 22 oz baking soda, 26 oz Borax, 19 oz Oxi Clean, and 1 Fels-Naptha bar.  

Step One:
Using a cheese grater, grate the Fels-Naptha bars.


Step Two:
Add all ingredients into a large bowl or bucket.



Step Three:
Stir everything together.







Step Four:
Store in an air tight container.

Use: I use the scoop that came with the Oxi Clean and use one scoop per load.  When I wash A's work clothes I add an extra scoop for a little extra cleaning power!